Homozygosity in self-pollinating crops Which of the following self-pollinating plants tend to be highly homozygous across generations?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: All of these

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Self-pollination causes inbreeding, increasing homozygosity with each generation. Many crops are autogamous (selfers) and show high fixation of alleles, which impacts breeding strategies and varietal stability.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Pea (Pisum sativum) is a classic selfer used by Mendel.
  • Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) predominantly self-pollinates in most cultivars.
  • Peach (Prunus persica) is self-fruitful in many commercial varieties.


Concept / Approach:
Under continued selfing, heterozygosity is halved each generation. After multiple generations, most loci become fixed (homozygous). Thus, autogamous crops accumulate high homozygosity unless purposely outcrossed.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify the mating system of each crop: all three can self-pollinate.Apply population genetics principle: selfing drives homozygosity.Therefore choose the inclusive option.


Verification / Alternative check:
Breeding manuals describe development of pure lines through repeated selfing in peas and tomatoes; self-fruitful stone fruits like peach commonly set fruit without cross-pollination.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Picking any single crop ignores that all listed are self-pollinating and become homozygous.
  • None of these contradicts known mating systems.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming perennial fruit trees must be cross-pollinated; many peach cultivars are self-fertile.



Final Answer:
All of these

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